ODW Logistics Orange Ball
Contract Logistics:6 Keys to A Successful Project
The Six Keys To A Successful Project
  1. Hiring and Training Programs
  2. Engineered Solutions
  3. Cost Structures
  4. Performance Measurements
  5. Project Implementation
  6. Data Systems



1. Quality Hiring and Training Programs

One of the most significant features of ODW Contract Services is our ability to reduce distribution center labor costs. Our concept is to find companies who are plagued by high labor costs and offer them the opportunity to outsource their logistics services. We have a selective hiring process that identifies 'over-qualified' and 'under-employed' employee candidates. These are people that are career-oriented, they want to make a success of their lives, and they are looking for the opportunity to advance.

Our training program allows us to hire good associates at a market-competitive wage and train them for positions of performance and responsibility. We have been able to meet each customer's requirements through our CARD project planning process, the use of process flow charts, assigned responsibilities, scheduling, budgeting, and process documentation. We place all new associates on a 90-day probation program to ensure they can exceed all performance standards. After this period we are assured that only the most qualified and best performers achieve full time positions.

We have worked with companies burdened by high labor costs by using our unique hiring and training programs. These programs enable us to convert a customer's higher labor cost to a structure that continuously reflects market-based costing.

2. Professionally Engineered Solutions

Each of our logistics and distribution solutions is based upon work processes, labor standards, cost models, and creative integration. We are professional operators of distribution centers and material handling facilities. We don't sell or represent any other line of trucking or equipment services that would distract from the quality and efficiency of our warehouse solutions.

In developing cost-effective solutions, we always look at the lowest cost and most reliable material handling alternative. We migrate up the cost scale only as long as the ROI on the capital cost of each type of alternative exceeds the hurdle rate. This is how we achieve the greatest proficiency and flexibility in our operations at the lowest operating cost.

ODW works closely with our customers to determine their requirements and then develops the most effective solution to meet their distribution need. Our logistics experience brings proven ideas, techniques and approaches which are designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

3. Very Competitive Operating Cost Structures

ODW has a flat management structure, which means our overhead costs are significantly lower than our competitors. We have also found that by minimizing risk, we can keep our profit margins low and still make a reasonable return on the investment of our people and our assets.

We do this through the use of detailed cost models, and an open book, no surprises, approach to everything we do. By clearly defining all services and all expectations, we experience lower risk which is compatible with lower margins.

4. Performance Measurements and Standards

Working with a very competitive cost structure means that every aspect of the operation has to be closely monitored to ensue that all performance expectations are right the first time. In addition, our flat management structure allows us to monitor our associates closely to determine their performance. Because our facility managers work closely with floor associates, they are able to supervise and evaluate performance more accurately.

Through the use of our WDLS warehouse management system, we have complete performance data on every facility, every project, and every employees' performance on an on-line basis. On-line performance monitoring is available to our customers so they can be assured that all deliverables are being met.

We recognize that productivity is a very important part of a successful operation, and ODW puts the above mechanisms in place to insure that each contract operation maintains the highest levels of productivity.

5. On-time and On-budget Project Implementation

As described above, our open book, no surprises, approach to every project is supported by our detailed C.A.R.D. (Control, Activity, Responsibility, and Documentation) project planning system. This engineered approach to planning, documenting, defining the deliverables, and estabolishing responsibilities, is how we've built our reputation for delivering logisitcs and distribution projects on-time and on-budget.

6. Data Systems

Past conflicts that developed between project management and data systems led us to develop the Data Design Document process, a unique approach to successfully bridging the communications gap between these two committed groups.

Once the project details have been defined through CARD planning, the Data Design Document focuses on streamlining the give-and-take of informaiton.

ODW Contract Services consistently delivers project hardware and software on-time and on-budget. We are able to meet customer's parameters through extensive classroom review sessions, the use of process flow charts, assigning, scheduling, and budgeting, through the C.A.R.D. planning process, and, finally, process documentation.
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